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Engine before body ?

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canam1212

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I have a 60 BT7 that I have taken completly apart , down to the bare frame. I have rebuilt the trans and engine and I am slowly putting it back together. To date I have rebuilt the front steering and suspension, the entire rear end ,the brakes and the electrical . The question I have is now that the body is off , it is obviosly easier to install the engine and trans, but will I have problems later on when I start installing the body panels?
 
Hello,
There are a few fender bolts that are a little hard to get to with the engine installed, but after having done a frame-off restoration (BN2) I would elect to install the engine and transmission before the body panels (as I did) again if I ever did another one. Somehow, the thought of putting an angine and transmission through the opening in the shroud, although I know it is quite possible, gives me the shakes. I did remove the engine and gearbox with the front shroud installed and the angle I had to use,. Don't want to do that again. with the cherry picker I had, was a little dicey
I'm sure others will feel differently.
 
I, too, would recommend installing the engine and tranny before fitting the body panels. I would paint the engine compartment first, however. It is generally considered a good idea to fit the panels with a load on the chassis.
 
Even if you don't fit the engine & gearbox first, you will have to weight the chassis to ensure that the fit of various panels doesn't change when the engine etc is put in. All chassis flex, even new ones, it's just a matter of the degree, so all in all I reckon it's easier to fit the engine first. It also gives you the chance to prove things work on a bare chassis, and that you have no disasterous oil leaks etc.
 
Thanks for the input. I have a little more work to do with the throttle controls first, and then I will start to get the engine back in.
 
Good day canam1212, nice to hear from someone in Hawaii.
As to your question, you do need to put the engine and transmission in first, assuming your are completely through with the chassis (paint and all). The added weight is necessary to align all shrouds, doors, fenders etc. Also, if you haven't done so, wait to add the rocker panels until you've mounted doors, fenders etc. Also, if your going to add a new wiring harness put the oil pressure line in before you do so. It can be tricky once the harness is in place. Most people actually go so far as to complete the installation to the point you can drive the car around without shrouds, fenders, even doors. That way you know all is working and is so much easier to work on.
 
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